Deserted bars and takeaways in the millionaire’s playground of Puerto Banus have blasted the UK government’s decision not to put Spain on the travel green list.
Politicians and the tourist sector in Spain were desperate to have quarantine restrictions for Brit tourists lifted upon their return to the UK.
It came as Portugal was taken off the travel green list and demoted to amber – meaning people can only travel there for essential reasons.
Brit tourists already in Portugal will have until 4am on Tuesday to get out the country and avoid quarantine back home.
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Bars in loaded Puerto Banus, a playground for the rich and famous in Marbella, say Brit boozers are the best spenders of any nation and fear closing down if they have to wait another two months to welcome them back.
Bar tender George Vujnovic, at the British-themed pub John Scott’s, said: “Even Puerto Banus is not pandemic proof – especially without British tourists.
“You often get groups of five or 10 and you know how much they’ll drink and they’ll spend a fortune.
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“Whereas you might get a French tourist who will spend €10 and leave – there’s no comparison.
“If we are not on the UK green list I could see us and other businesses closing. They account for 70% to 80% of our business. It is crazy they will not allowed people over without quarantining.
“Without the UK we are dead. They are incredible spenders.
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“In 2019 this whole area would have been packed. Now look at it.
“I worked in real estate as well last year and that has taken a massive hit here. It’s been a disaster – even for us.”
Business chiefs here said last month that 20-30% of businesses had closed in Marbella, especially in tourist places such as Puerto Banus or the Marbella old town.
It is eerily quiet on a near-deserted Puerto Banus harbour where super-yachts stretch as far as the eye can see – but only one is showing any sign of life as a few non-British tourists party.
Along a nearby street littered with British hotspots such as Linekers,
Portside and The Navy Bar, bar owners say they are not sure how much longer they can survive without UK tourism.
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The area should be “totally rammed” with Brits at this time of year, it was said, but it was almost deserted.
Oscar Areque, who co-owns The Irish Tavern, said: “Puerto Banus is dominated by UK tourists, about 70%, we depend on it so much.
“Now they’re not here lots of places are closed.
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“It’s going to be very tough without them for much longer. It is terrible news.”
Ricky Perez owns Papizza takeaway, where in a regular year they buy in curry sauce and gravy especially for Brits who flood in after hours for late-night grub.
“Fifty per cent of our customers are Brits,” said Ricky, who has run it for eight years.
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“English people love their food, have great fun here and are happy to spend money and come out every day when they are here.
“If they have €1,000 they will spend it.
“One English guy and girl is worth 10 Spanish for what they spend.
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“They love Marbella.
“We have been stuck to the news waiting for Boris Johnson to give Spain the green light.
“This effects us a lot and it’s devastating we’re not on the green list.
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“It doesn’t make sense.
“Usually we get curry sauce and gravy for the English people, from the Iceland supermarket, they love it.
“But we don’t any more and it looks like we won’t have to for a while.
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“It’s a massive loss to us.
“We want them Back here.
“If so many are vaccinated in the UK and there was zero deaths the other day, why can’t they come?”
Ryan Parkin, from Leeds, West Yorks, manages Portside.
He said: “Normally it’s completely rammed here.
“We’re getting some Europeans but without UK tourists it’s very difficult and it looks like it will continue to be if Spain is not on the green list.”